KOSÉ to upcycle discarded cosmetics into green energy catalysts

Japanese beauty giant KOSÉ Corporation has partnered with the University of Tokyo to develop technology that transforms discarded cosmetic ingredients into high-performance catalysts for air purification and green energy.

The collaboration focuses on upcycling unused cosmetics into environmental catalysts. By applying chemical processes to metal oxides such as zinc oxide, the team aims to create materials for environmental remediation, resource circulation, and energy production.

KOSÉ intends to accelerate research and development to apply this process to other metal oxides and expand its practical applications. The project receives support from the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO).

According to a consumer survey conducted by KOSÉ in 2024, 53% of respondents identified “waste reduction and resource circulation” as the most critical sustainability initiative they expect from manufacturers. Japan produced approximately 387,000 tonnes of cosmetics in 2024. This new research shifts the focus to the chemical potential of these ingredients, specifically targeting metal oxides that are industrially valuable but often difficult to recover.

Zinc oxide serves as a primary UV filter in sunscreens, but it is also a vital industrial catalyst used to facilitate chemical reactions, including the conversion of carbon dioxide into methanol. Despite its importance, Japan relies heavily on imports for this material, and recycling rates remain low. This new method will help KOSÉ establish a new model for resource circulation not just limited to recycling their containers.